Japan: JOGMEC Held Naming and Launching Ceremony for Marine Rresource Research Vessel

JOGMEC announce the launch of a new marine resource research vessel commissioned by JOGMEC. The naming and launching ceremony of the vessel was held on March 23rd at the Shimonoseki Shipyard owned by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

At the shipyard ceremony, Mr. Kawano, joined by esteemed guests, christened the vessel “Hakurei”. After the announcement, the vessel was slowly lowered into the water. Inboard construction work on the vessel (gross tonnage: 6200 tons / overall length: 18.3m) will continue at the shipyard, with official commissioning scheduled for February 2012.

Equipped with two types of advanced drilling system, the vessel will accelerate exploration and development activities for marine resources whose presence has been confirmed in the areas surrounding Japan. The ship will be the first cutting-edge marine resource research vessel in Japan.

About JOGMEC

Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) was established on February 29, 2004 pursuant to the Law Concerning the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, which was promulgated on July 26, 2002. JOGMEC integrates the functions of the former Japan National Oil Corporation, which was in charge of securing a stable supply of oil and natural gas, and the former Metal Mining Agency of Japan, which was in charge of ensuring a stable supply of nonferrous metal and mineral resources and implementing mine pollution control measures.

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Source: JOGMEC, April 14, 2011.